Psalm 119: Mem & Nun B

“I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from yourregulations, for you havetaught me well.” 119:101-102

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when Joseph physicallyruns away from sexual temptation; his struggle so fierce that he ripped out of his robe to get away (Gen 39). It’s a refreshing story in the Old Testament of someonefleeing from sexual immorality instead ofpouncing on it.

Anyway, the verse above from today’schapters had me reflecting on how seldom Irefuse to walk on any evil path. It has methinkingabout the companyIkeep, the content I engage in, theconversationsI hold andthethought life I have. Nothingglaring comes to mind, and Idon’t exactly stroll downanyparticularlyevilpaths.

But it’s a reminderthat a holy, godlylife requires resistance and an active opposition to sin.

I like that the author/translation uses “refuse”. Not “politely decline” or “avoid if possible“, butrefuse.